The GS1 system provides unique identities for electricity meters and installations. A consistent identification system makes cooperation easier for everybody involved.
The GS1 system provides unique installation identifiers
Following the deregulation of the electricity market, customers, that is consumers of electricity, are free to choose their supplier of electric power, but this is distributed by the local network company. With the deregulation the problem of identifying electrical installations (metering points) arose since each network company had previously had its own numbering system for installations. The industry decided to use the GS1 system to provide a unique and global system for the identification of installations.
Installations must not be confused since the meter readings and consumption information are held in common system. The GS1 system makes it easier for companies to cooperate and avoid any confusion. The network companies can store additional data such as customer information and technical installation data in a database using the installation identifier as a key.
The GS1 system provides unique electricity meter identifiers
The Swedish Parliament has decided that customers' electricity consumption must be read at least once a month. The network companies are therefore changing all meters to a type that can be read remotely. This is expected to be completed by 1 July 2009 at the latest. Network companies see advantages in giving each meter a unique GS1 number when ordering and installing.